Finding an RV Chassis Battery Replacement (Helpful Guide)
To some people, a battery is a battery. What that means is that it does not matter to them where they get their replacement or what the specs are. As long as they have a battery they are fine. To others getting the right battery replacement is very important.
Finding a battery replacement is not hard. Batteries are on sale everywhere. However, if they go bad, you may not get a warranty exchange as the store you bought your battery may be thousands of miles away. Owners pick chain stores for this very reason.
To learn more about this topic, just continue to read our article. It has the information you need to know about so you can pick the right battery at the right store and have peace of mind no matter where your travels take you.
RV Chassis Battery Replacement Options
There are two kinds of batteries used in the typical RV for those unfamiliar with RV life. The first type is the coach battery. The job this device uses is to power all your 12-volt systems inside your RV or trailer.
The other battery is called the chassis battery. This is the battery that helps start your RV’s engine. Without this one, you won’t be going anywhere. You can travel with a bad coach battery but not a bad RV model.
In emergencies, you can connect both batteries by throwing a switch but this is not recommended for normal use. Your replacement options will depend on the group number your current battery is in along with the design.
There are basically 3 types of batteries you can buy. The first one is the lead-acid and that is the one most RVers are familiar with as they have been around for about 100 years or more.
Then there are the maintenance-free batteries. This type has been around for a long time as well. Usually, they are very dependable. Finally, there is the AGM or Absorption Glass Mat option. More modern, and made with modern technology.
These are your chassis battery replacement options. The key would be to find the same group number when you are looking for a new battery. Not all group numbers will be powerful enough to help turn over an RV engine.
You can get these different types of batteries almost anywhere batteries are sold. Check the label for the specs on your current battery to make sure you get the right replacement.
The best way to get a new battery is to make sure that you buy from a store that offers a warranty and is part of a chain. That way you can replace the battery if anything goes wrong, no matter where you are.
Freightliner Motorhome Chassis Batteries
One would think that the brand of chassis would dictate the type of battery you would use. That is not the case. The chassis is not an influential part of the battery system. It just holds the battery in place and the system takes care of itself.
When looking for a replacement battery, the brand only matters when it comes to quality and longevity. There are some great off-brand options and there are some bad famous brand models.
In other words, no matter which brand you buy, you are taking a chance that you may pull the short stick and come up with a bad device. But if you want to stick with the Freightliner brand, there is a way to do it.
There is a company called Alliance and they are Freightliner’s private label for parts. They make or sell 2 AGM batteries. One for the coach and one for the starting process.
Those battery options are the EPM/AE8A31 deep cycle and the model EPM/AE9A31 for starting. That piece of information came from 2009 but a quick check still shows Alliance making batteries for the Freightliner chassis and vehicles.
Their website lists 3 pages of batteries so chances are you will find the perfect unit for your RV that has a Freightliner chassis.
Best Chassis Battery For RV
It seems that you have a lot of choices when it comes to the best battery for an RV chassis. One list has 8 brands on it and another goes to 20 with some brands having more than one on their list.
Here is the shorter list and we will provide a little description for each one:
1. VMAX MR137-120Sealed Marine AGM Battery - comes with 120 AH power and is made with lead-tin alloy. Its drawback is the limited warranty
2. Odyssey PC680 Battery - This is a lightweight battery that comes in different designs and can recharge itself in 4 to 6 hours.
3. ACDelco 94RAGM - It uses high-density negative paste which helps improve performance. It is built solid with top construction materials.
4. UPG 85980/D5722 - this sealed and leak-proof battery provides you with a maintenance-free time throughout its lifespan. The drawback is a short lifespan.
5. Renogy 12V Battery - Performs well when in high temperatures. It also comes in a leak-proof and maintenance free-design
6. Interstate RV Battery - Another lightweight battery that brings value for your money. This battery has many uses and can double as a coach battery.
7. Battle Born LiFePO4 - helps boost performance and seems to have a fairly long lifespan. This battery option is built using lithium-ion technology and made from non-toxic processes.
8. Optima Dual Purpose Battery - this is a technically advanced design that is built to last. The construction design is non-leak and the gas regenerates itself through a unique oxygen cycle.
These battery brands are just a few of the many you can buy. If these do not work in the starting or chassis position, these top brands will make one that does.
Some honorable mentions are:
1. Universal UB121000-45978 Deep Cycle AGM Battery
2. Battle Born Batteries LiFePO4 12 Volt Deep Cycle Battery
3. Renogy Rechargeable Deep Cycle Pure Gel Battery
4. 4 X Trojan Battery T-105 Plus
5. Vmaxtanks Vmaxslr125 AGM Deep Cycle Battery
6. WindyNation 12V Deep Cycle Battery
7. Renogy Lithium-Iron Phosphate Battery
8. Optima Batteries 8016-103 D34M Starting and Deep Cycle Battery
9. AIMS Power LFP12V200A Black 12V Lithium Battery 200Ah
10. Weize AGM SLA VRLA Battery
11. NPP NPD12 Deep Cycle Battery With Button Style Terminals
12. Odyssey PC680 Battery
13. Renogy 12 Volt Deep Cycle AGM Battery
14. Interstate Batteries DCM0035 Sealed Lead-Acid Replacement Battery
15. Optima Batteries 8052-161 D31M Deep Cycle Battery
16. Odyssey PC925 Automotive and LTV Battery
17. VMAXTANKS VMAX V35-857 Deep Cycle Battery
18. Mighty Max Battery 12V 100AH Battery
19. POWERSTAR Deep Cycle Replacement SLA/AGM Battery
20. VMAXTANKS 6 Volt 225Ah AGM Battery
You will see some duplicates among the 2 lists
How Long do RV Chassis Batteries Last?
The general chassis battery is usually a lead-acid model and they are supposed to last a long time. Some deep cycle batteries are listed as lasting 6+ years. The lead-acid options do not last as long although some owners have posted that they got 11 years out of their batteries.
Typically, a lead-acid battery will last between 5 to 6 years. But if you camp in hot weather regions of the country, they may only last 2 to 3 years. People who go to cooler regions of the country may see their batteries last up to 7 years.
What cuts down the lifespan of many batteries is sulfation. This is a condition that comes when batteries are stored for a long time. Or the discharge takes the battery power down below 50%
Another reason batteries do not last as long as the stated lifespans are overcharging. Charging is always needed but overcharging will damage all batteries including the deep cycle options.
A third threat to the battery’s lifespan is dropping it or some other physical damage. Handle with care is important when it comes to batteries as you never know which bang, drop, or bump is the final straw.
How do I Change The Batteries in My RV Chassis?
For some people, this can be a daunting task as there are a lot of wires attached to the positive and negative cables. However, it is not as hard as it looks. The chassis battery system comes with wire looms that are attached to the battery terminals.
All the other wires are attached to either the positive or negative looms. Once you loosen the bolts that are directly on the terminals, you simply lift the looms and all their wires off.
Then have an assistant hold the loom sup so you can remove the old batteries and replace them with the new ones. Then replace the nuts and you are done. The whole process should take about 15 minutes to do.
Make sure all the bolts are tight and you should have no problems.
How To Extend The Life Of Your Batteries
These instructions apply to your chassis batteries:
1. Keep the batteries clean- do regular cleaning of the terminals and connections to keep corrosion away. Also, make sure the dirt is gone as well. Dirt can ruin a connection and keep the battery from functioning as it should.
2. Don’t let it lose power- most batteries have a minimum charge level and if you go below that you may have trouble re-charging the battery. Keep the battery charged over that minimum level so your battery always performs at the top of its game.
3. Watch the temperatures- if you are storing your RV for the winter, make sure the battery is stored in a cool, dry place. High temperatures can ruin a battery faster than corrosion can.
The same goes for cold temperatures. You want a median temperature level, not too hot, not too cold to make sure your battery stays alive for a long time.
These steps are simple and can easily be put on your maintenance checklist. Doing the cleaning and keeping it charged should only take a few minutes of your time. Having a meter in your tool kit is a good idea. It helps you keep track of the charge level.
The Signs The Chassis Batteries Are Going Bad
There will be signs to notify you that the time to change those batteries is coming soon. That deadline may be faster than you think so once you start seeing those signs, check the batteries and start searching for new ones.
1. RV does not start- nothing too complicated here. If you just hear clicks or nothing, then you know your battery is dead and needs replacing. There are some battery brands that allow you to bring the battery back to life but those are few and far in between.
2. The headlights will tell you- if they start to dim or begin dimming while you are driving, that is a sure sign your battery is losing its power. They may only need to be recharged but those batteries may also be dying on you.
3. Listen for strange noises- batteries can hum and crackle when they are losing power. These noises and other strange sounds tell you it is time to replace the batteries. Recharging may not work at this stage.
4. The battery is old- after 3 years you should start preparing yourself and your budget to get ready to buy a new battery. The older the battery the more likely it will quit on you. Not all batteries are the same but the 3-year benchmark is a good place to start monitoring your battery.
Some Final Words
Batteries do you a good service. Taking care of them is like taking care of yourself. Be good to them and you will have the power you need when you get going on the next leg of your journey.
Just find the right batteries for your RV and you should be fine for several years. Unless you do not clean them.
